Chinese name: 昆明李公朴殉难处
English Name: Martyrdom Place of Li Gongpu in Kunming
Location: located on Qianju Street in Kunming City

Xicangpo (The Martyrdom Site of Mr. Wen Yiduo)

Xicangpo, located on Qianju Street in Kunming City, is the site where Mr. Wen Yiduo was martyred. On the evening of July 11, 1946, Li Gongpu, a Central Executive Committee member of the China Democratic League and Deputy Director of the Democratic Education Movement Committee, was assassinated by Kuomintang agents in Kunming.

Wen Yiduo, a professor at Southwest Associated University and a Central Executive Committee member of the Democratic League, delivered a speech at Yunnan University’s auditorium about Mr. Li Gongpu’s martyrdom. Later, while returning to the Xicangpo staff dormitory, he was also assassinated by Kuomintang agents on the road east of the dormitory entrance. Today, a stone tablet at Xicangpo commemorates the “Wen Yiduo Martyrdom Site.”

Biography

Early Life and Education

Wen Yiduo (1899—1946), originally named Wen Jiahua, was a renowned poet, scholar, and democratic fighter. An early leader of the China Democratic League and a close ally of the Chinese Communist Party, Wen was born into a scholarly family in Wanjiawan, Baxiang Town, Xishui County, Hubei.

He was admitted to Tsinghua University in 1912, where he developed a deep appreciation for ancient Chinese poetry, historical texts, and essays. By 1916, he began publishing reading notes titled “February Pavilion Notes” in the “Tsinghua Weekly” and composing traditional poetry. During the May Fourth Movement in 1919, he actively participated in student protests and represented his school at the National Student Federation Conference.

Academic and Professional Career

During the war, Wen Yiduo taught at a temporary university formed by Tsinghua University, Peking University, and Nankai University. When the school relocated to Yunnan, he and over 200 students and professors traveled 3,500 miles in 68 days, studying local customs and recording folk stories and songs, arriving in Kunming on April 28, 1938.

After the establishment of Southwest Associated University, Wen became a prominent professor. Despite a modest salary, he taught at a secondary school and carved seals to supplement his income, firmly refusing high-ranking officials’ offers for seal carving.

Contributions and Last Days

On the anniversary of the May Fourth Movement in 1945, students from Southwest Associated University held a “Torch Relay,” with winners receiving banners inscribed with “Sparks of Democracy,” written by Wen. Following Japan’s defeat on August 15, 1945, he introduced a lecture on Du Fu’s poem “On Hearing About the Recovery of Henan and Hebei” and condemned the “black terror” following the December 1st incident.

He also wrote “A Record of the December 1 Movement” for the martyrs’ memorial. On July 11, 1946, the murder of prominent democratic figure Li Gongpu caused nationwide outrage. On July 15, Wen delivered the historically significant “Last Lecture” at a memorial service for Li Gongpu.

Event Summary

On the evening of July 11, 1946, Li Gongpu, a Central Executive Committee member of the China Democratic League and Deputy Director of the Democratic Education Movement Committee, was assassinated by Kuomintang agents in Kunming. On the morning of July 15, Wen Yiduo, a professor at Southwest Associated University and a Central Executive Committee member of the Democratic League, gave an impromptu speech at Yunnan University’s auditorium about Li Gongpu’s martyrdom. This speech became known as “The Last Lecture.”

In the afternoon of July 15, Wen Yiduo attended a press conference held by “Democracy Weekly” at 14 Fuyong Road. Around 5 PM, while returning to the Xicangpo staff dormitory, he was assassinated by Kuomintang agents on the road east of the dormitory entrance. His eldest son, Wen Lihe, who was accompanying him for protection, was also shot and seriously injured.

On the morning of July 18, Wen Yiduo’s body was cremated in front of the Yunnan University affiliated hospital. During the cremation, four metal fragments were discovered, remnants of melted sniper bullets. His ashes were partly scattered in Dianchi Lake and partly placed in a blue-and-white porcelain urn. The urn, along with a dark red lacquered wooden box, was temporarily stored in a temple by his eldest daughter Wen Ming and graduate student Fan Ning.

At the request of Wen Yiduo’s wife, Gao Xiaozhen, the Southwest Associated University standing committee established a cenotaph for him at the tomb of the four martyrs of the December 1 Movement.

Related Attraction

Cuihu Lake Park (Green Lake Park)

• Cuihu Park was initially a bay in Dianchi Lake, but over time, due to a decrease in water levels, it transformed into a clear lake. The waters of Cuihu sparkle, and the trees provide ample shade. With the building reflecting on the lake’s surface, the environment is beautiful, making it a green gem within the city of Kunming. It is renowned with the nickname “The Jade of the City.”

Why is the Ancient Tombs of Jinlianshan and Xueshan Mountain So Special?

Jinlianshan Mountains is to the east side of Jiucheng Village, Yousuo Township, Chengjiang County. This small and isolated mountains is about three kilometers from county downtown. It is at an elevation of 1,806 meters. The vertical height from the bottom to the top of the mountains is about 56 meters. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, the old town was the host to local government. In 1571, the government was moved to the new town. In history, the mountains used to be a famous scene that was called “golden lotus holding the sun”, because when the sun was setting, red light shone all over the mountains and the wild lotus grown on the mountains seemed to hold the sun.

The Exploration of History

On March 2, 2006, targeting at the increasing grave robbing, the Archaeology Institute of Yunnan Province, Cultural Relics Administration Bureau of Yuxi, and Culture and Sports Office of Chengjiang County started a three-month long rescuing excavation which aimed at the top of the mountains due to frequent robbing of graves there. One hundred and forty-four graves of about 2,000 square meters were excavated, with 600 pieces or sets of items discovered that included round decorative buttons, copper hoes, dagger-axes, swords, horse-carriage equipment, earthenwares, and painted potteries.

Judged from these relics, like the grave site in the Lijiashan Mountains, the site in the Jinlianshan Mountains also belongs to ancient Yunnan Kingdom. The making of crafts, however, has changed considerably, which fills many gaps in the bronze ware studies of the Yunnan Kingdom.

From October 15 to December 13 in 2008, the Provincial Cultural Relics Department, the Provincial Archaeology Institute, Yuxi Cultural Relics Administration Bureau, Chengjiang Cultural Affairs Office, and Chengjiang Cultural Relics Administration Office jointly conducted the first-phase investigative excavation. The second-phase excavation started on February 13, 2009, and archaeological experts from Archaeology Center of Jilin University and experts in physical anthropology, pathology, DNA, and dietetics participated in the excavation.

With the progress in excavation, the unique landscape of the grave site shocked the experts. Li Boqian, an archaeology professor from China Archaeology Center of Beijing University, said after his visit to the site that it resembled Ruins of the Yin Dynasty discovered in Henan Province. The comparison to the most important archaeological discovery in Chinese history suggests that the excavation of the Jinlianshan Mountains plays a significant role in study of Chinese history and the bronze ware culture of the Yunnan Kingdom.

Features

Compared with other bronze ware graves in China, the graves in the Jinlian Mountains have their own special characteristics.

First, it is the largest grave site discovered so far in archaeological excavation of the Yunnan bronze ware culture with a scale of 100,000 square meters and discovered graves more than 1,000.

Second, of secondary burial, headless burial, arm-folded burial, armless burial, and multi-burial seen in the graves of the Jinlianshan Mountains, coffins were not found. The burial customs presented in these graves are similar to those descended from the Shang and Zhou dynasties and they also integrate burial customs and rituals of bronze ware times in different parts of China. The grave site that has mixed burial styles in a large scale will create a new path for the study of bronze ware culture of the Dian Kingdom.

In addition, a great number of intact human remains and skeletons, which are rarely seen in other archaeological excavations of the Yunnan bronze ware culture. With participation of experts in physical anthropology, pathology and other fields, ages, sexes, causes of death, and even clan, social conditions and dieting habits of the Yunnan people can be speculated.

The Meaning of Exploration

Articles that were never seen in other grave sites of the Yunnan bronze ware culture were also found, such as musical instruments made of bones and skeptical acupuncture tools. Archaeologists discovered skeptical acupuncture tools in emptied animal bones and the diameter of the smallest one is only 0.2 millimeter which is smaller than the one unearthed from the tomb of Liu Sheng刘胜墓 in Mancheng City in Hebei Province. It is also the finest metal thread identified among all discovered items from the Yunnan Kingdom. If these tools are proven to serve acupuncture, the history of Chinese acupuncture can be dated earlier.

The excavation in the Jinlianshan Mountains not only provides abundant materials for study of social situation, culture and burial customs of the Dian(another name for Yunnan Province) Kingdom, but also opens a new channel to reveal mysteries of the Dian Kingdom.

The well-preserved skeletons and unique burial customs and rituals discovered in the Jinlianshan Mountains shocked experts and they supplement discoveries of the Lijiashan Mountains. The grave sites in the two locations provide sufficient materials for the study of ancient Yunnan Kingdom.

Best Time to Visit

It’s suitable to visit all-year-round, but winter is a especially good time to visit because of clear weather and warm temperature.

How to Get There

The best way to arrive at Ancient Tombs of Jinlianshan and Xueshan Mountains is to take regular bus in Kunming South Station. It takes about 1 hour and a half from Kunming to Chengjiang Bus Terminal. After arriving the bus terminal, you can take a taxi to the ancient tomb. It is not far, just more than 10 minutes away.

Accommodation at the Ancient Tombs of Jinlianshan and Xueshan Mountains

The Ancient Tombs of Jinlianshan and Xueshan Mountains is not far from Chengjiang County, therefore, you can stay at Chengjiang County for overnight, or stay around Fuxian Lake Scenic Spot. Go and have a tour at Fuxian Lake, it must be worthy. Here are several recommended hotels in Chengjiang County.

1. Hilton Hotel抚仙湖希尔顿酒店

Address: 玉溪市澄江县环湖东路10号

Tel: 0877-6688888

Starting Price: 730 CNY

2. Fuxian Lake Guanlan Resort Hotel抚仙湖观澜度假酒店

Address: No.8, Huanhu North Road, Chengjiang County, Yuxi玉溪市澄江县环湖北路8号

Tel: 18108879725

Starting Price: 129 CNY

3. Fuxian Lake Junlin Holiday Hotel抚仙湖君临假日酒店

Address: No.8, Huanhu North Road, Chengjiang County, Yuxi玉溪市澄江县环湖北路8号

Tel: 0877-6222077

Starting Price: 128 CNY

Useful Travel Tips

1. Cherish the cultural relics, do not touch the articles at random.

2. Know the opening hours of scenic spots in advance and plan the tour according to the time.

3. Before entering the site, please look at the signs and learn about all matters needing attention.

4. Do not use a flash when taking photos. There are many precious cultural relics which are “afraid of the light”. Under the irradiation of strong light, they will accelerate their “aging” and even form permanent damage.

5. During the visit, you should pay attention to the instructions next to the articles. In this way, you can not only know the basic information of it, but also make a judgment on their value. You should pay attention to the “No Touch” sign that will be visible in the description of some articles.

Dali Tianbao Park and Wanrenzhong Tombs in Dali City travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit, How to Get there, the highlights, facts, history, photos, weather, accommodation, visiting routes, travel tips, tour maps of Tianbao Park and Wanrenzhong Tombs in Dali(大理市天宝公园和万人冢).
Chinese Name: 大理市天宝公园和万人冢
English Name: Tianbao Park and Wanrenzhong Tombs in Dali City

Location:http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_40867fed0102vcdc.html

Overview

The Tomb of Tang Jiyao (唐继尧墓) is situated within the Kunming Zoo (昆明动物园) in Wuhua District (五华区), Kunming (昆明), Yunnan Province (云南省). Covering an area of approximately 1,500 square meters, the tomb features a burial mound constructed from stone, shaped like a round hill, standing about 6 meters tall with a diameter of 16 meters. In front of the tomb are 14 classical European-style stone pillars that support seven flat-roofed pavilions, with the central pavilion protruding, showcasing intricately carved reliefs.

The central inscription on the tomb reads “Tomb of Tang Gong from Huize” (会泽唐公冥墓), accompanied by significant couplets. Flanking the platform are stone lions and ornamental columns, creating an impressive and luxurious atmosphere that makes this tomb one of the grandest in the Kunming area.

Architectural Features

• Construction: Began in 1930, completed in 1932.
• Design: The tomb features a round mound 6 meters high and 22 meters in diameter. It includes a stone pavilion measuring 17.6 meters in width, supported by 14 stone pillars and adorned with eight large stone tablets inscribed with important historical documents.
• Notable Inscriptions: Include the appointment of Tang Jiyao as Commander of the National Protection Army by President Li Yuanhong (黎元洪) and other significant documents from the National Protection War.
• Surroundings: The tomb features stone lions and ornamental columns, with lush greenery adorning its structure.

Biography of Tang Jiyao

• Birth: 1883 in Huize (会泽), Yunnan.
• Education: Studied at a Japanese military academy, graduating early and later serving as an instructor at the Yunnan Military Academy (云南陆军讲武堂).
• Career: Held various positions post-Xinhai Revolution, including Governor of Guizhou and Yunnan, military commander, and provincial governor. He played a significant role in the National Protection Movement and was a key leader of the National Protection Army.
• Death: Died on May 23, 1927, due to illness, at the age of 44. His tomb was constructed under the direction of Long Yun (龙云) in 1932, following his death.

Historical Significance

The Tomb of Tang Jiyao is a vital cultural and historical site, symbolizing the impact of Tang’s contributions to the National Protection Movement and the modernization of Yunnan Province. It remains a significant attraction for history enthusiasts and visitors interested in Yunnan’s modern history.

Visiting Information

• Location: Yuantong Mountain (圆通山), Kunming Zoo.
• Admission: Included with zoo entrance fees.
• Nearby Attractions: Kunming Zoo, Yuantong Temple, and scenic areas around Yuantong Mountain.

The Tomb of Tang Jiyao is a grand architectural structure reflecting the legacy of Tang Jiyao, a key figure in Yunnan’s modernization and the National Protection Movement during the early 20th century. Visitors to the tomb can explore its historical significance while enjoying the surrounding natural beauty.

The Martyrdom Monument of Li Gongpu (李公朴殉难处遗址) is located at No. 1 Yuantong Street, Wuhua District, Kunming, occupying an area of 6 square meters. The monument is made of stone, measuring 100 cm in length, 30 cm in width, and 12 cm in thickness. It is inscribed with the words “Li Gongpu (李公朴) Mr. Martyrdom Place.”

Who is Li Gongpu?

Li Gongpu (李公朴) (1900—1946) was an executive member of the Central and Yunnan Provincial Branch of the China Democratic League, a renowned scholar, social activist, and patriotic democratic fighter. He was one of the famous “Seven Gentlemen” who fought against Japanese aggression to save the country, recognized both domestically and internationally.

He established the “Beimen Bookstore” (北门书屋) and “Beimen Publishing House” (北门出版社) in Yunnan, advocating for the ideas of resisting Japanese aggression and promoting democratic progress. He frequently traveled between Chongqing and Kunming to engage in anti-Japanese activities, which aroused the jealousy of the Kuomintang (Nationalist Party) reactionaries.

On the evening of July 11, 1946, Mr. Li Gongpu and his wife, Ms. Zhang Manyun (张曼筠), were returning home by bus. After getting off at the Qingyun Street bus station, they walked along a sloping alley on the left side of the College Slope, where they were shot by Kuomintang agents who had been following them for some time. Due to severe injuries, he succumbed to his wounds at 5:20 a.m. the next day.

Legacy of Li Gongpu

Mr. Li Gongpu made the ultimate sacrifice for the people, and his deeds have had a profound impact on the patriotic education of Chinese youth. The monument holds significant historical value and was declared a district-level cultural relic protection unit in 1983.

The Memorial Hall of the December 1st Movement (一二·一运动纪念馆) is located at 58 Huancheng North Road, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China. It is a patriotic movement memorial that was completed on March 17, 1946, and officially opened to the public in May 1946.

Background of the December 1st Movement

The December 1st Movement, initiated by youth students in Kunming under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, was a patriotic democratic movement opposing the civil war and advocating for democracy. The movement exposed the reactionary plot of the Kuomintang to start a civil war and marked the ongoing democratic movement developing in the Kuomintang-controlled areas. It left a glorious page in the history of the youth movement in China and the New Democratic Revolution.

Artifacts and Exhibits

The Memorial Hall houses a collection of 78 artifacts, primarily consisting of oil-printed and lead-printed pamphlets from the December 1st Movement, communications from the strike committee, photographs of students promoting the movement on the streets, images of the violence they faced, and historical photos of Southwest United University operating under difficult conditions. It also contains some relics of martyr Pan Yan (潘琰).

• Chinese Name: 一二·一运动纪念馆
• Foreign Name: Memorial Hall of the December 1st Movement
• Category: Patriotic Movement Memorial
• Opening Time: May 1946
• Location: 58 Huancheng North Road, Kunming City, Yunnan Province
• Completion Date: March 17, 1946
• Key Collection: Relics of martyr Pan Yan

Location of the Hall

The Memorial Hall is located at 58 Huancheng North Road, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, within Yunnan Normal University (云南师范大学). Postal Code: 6500.

Administrative Affiliation

The Memorial Hall was officially established on November 27, 1982. Until November 1985, it was named the December 1st Movement Exhibition Room and is under the jurisdiction of Yunnan Normal University. It operates under the guidance of provincial and municipal cultural management departments.

Introduction to the Hall

The tombs of martyrs Yu Zai (于再), Pan Yan (潘琰), Li Lulian (李鲁连), and Zhang Huachang (张华昌), who were sacrificed in the December 1st Incident in 1945, were completed on March 17, 1946. In July of the same year, a tomb for the famous patriotic democratic fighter Mr. Wen Yiduo (闻一多) was built in front of the martyrs’ graves. In May, before the restoration of the Southwest United University, a memorial monument for the National Southwest Associated University (国立西南联合大学) was erected on the west side of the martyrs’ graves.

Notable Writings

Wu Han (吴晗) wrote an article titled “The December 1st Incident and the Record of History” (《一二·一惨案与纪纲》) on December 25, 1945, strongly exposing Chiang Kai-shek (蒋介石). Wu Han stated: “The 300,000 citizens of Kunming are clear about who issued the illegal order to prohibit gatherings, who surrounded the area with troops and opened fire, who organized the anti-strike committee, who sent agents to destroy schools, who provided the grenades, and who ordered the massacre of students.” He pointed out that the so-called “record of history” issue needed clarification of who was actually violating it. He emphasized: “The student strikes were coerced by armed military intervention, by wooden sticks and grenades. In contrast, the current state of anarchy in society and schools is the result of the actions of the party and military authorities before the first of this month. To restore order, they must first be corrected; otherwise, the country will suffer humiliation.”

Commemoration of Martyrs

As the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Yunnan Normal University and the Southwest United University approaches, the outdoor landmark commemorative landscape and audio guide system of the Memorial Hall were successfully completed with funding from the Central Propaganda Department. A grand yet simple inauguration ceremony for the outdoor landmark commemorative landscape took place in front of the December 1st Movement Memorial Hall at Yunnan Normal University.

Key officials, including Wu Guirong (吴贵荣), Vice Minister of the Provincial Propaganda Department, Yi Jidong (伊继东), Secretary of the Party Committee of Yunnan Normal University, and Li Guiwu (李桂武), Deputy Inspector of the Provincial Education Department, attended the inauguration ceremony and unveiled the commemorative landscape.

The outdoor landmark commemorative landscape occupies an area of 1,120 square meters and adopts traditional architectural aesthetics with a circular sky and square earth design. The bronze sculpture in the shape of “12·1” encapsulates the great spirit of the December 1st Movement and Southwest United University, reflecting the noble aspirations of predecessors for freedom, resistance against darkness, and a longing for peace.

As one of the first national bases for patriotic education, the Memorial Hall contains rich historical resources related to the December 1st patriotic democratic movement and Southwest United University. Over the past two decades, the hall has been open to the public free of charge, promoting and nurturing national spirit as its primary task, achieving significant social benefits. It hosts over 40,000 students of various levels annually for various educational activities, becoming a primary venue for moral education and patriotic education.

The completion of the outdoor landmark commemorative landscape extends the rich historical connotations of the Memorial Hall, giving a distinct sense of the times and strong visual inspiration.

The inauguration ceremony of the outdoor landmark commemorative landscape was held on the morning of October 30. Professor Zhang Shifu (张世富), who once participated in the December 1st Movement, also attended the ceremony. Now 87 years old, he recalled the scenes of that year with excitement: “I was fortunate to participate in the December 1st Movement parade, and I felt both anger and sadness for the martyrs. Citizens spontaneously gathered in front of the library to pay homage to the martyrs, creating a sea of people.” The elder remarked, “The spirit of Southwest United University and the spirit of December 1st are actually consistent: patriotism, democracy, and science. I hope that the spirit of December 1st will be passed down forever.”

Collections

The Memorial Hall houses 78 artifacts, primarily oil-printed and lead-printed pamphlets from the December 1st Movement, communications from the strike committee, photographs of students’ street campaigns and assaults, as well as images of Southwest United University during difficult conditions. The hall also holds some relics of martyr Pan Yan.

The museum has published several works, including “Compilation of Historical Materials of the December 1st Movement” (《”一二·一”运动史料汇编》), “Selected Historical Materials of the December 1st Movement” (《”一二·一”运动史料选编》), “The December 1st Movement” (《”一二·一”运动》), “History of the December 1st Movement” (《”一二·一”运动史》), “The December 1st Movement and the Four Martyrs” (《”一二·一”运动与四烈士》), and other internal publications, as well as the periodic publication of the museum’s journal “Memorial Hall of the December 1st Movement” (《”一二·一”运动纪念馆》).

Opening Hours

The Memorial Hall is open to the public from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.

The Tomb of Ma Hazhi (马哈只墓碑) is located in Zheng He Park (郑和公园) in Kunyang Town (昆阳镇), Jinning District (晋宁县), Kunming (昆明), Yunnan Province (云南省), China. It is a historical site from the Ming Dynasty (明朝).

Overview of the Tomb

The Tomb of Ma Hazhi consists of four main parts:

1. The first section features the national key cultural relic protection unit “Tombstone of Ma Hazhi” (马哈只墓碑) on the right side of the tombstone.
2. The second section includes the inscription of Ma Hazhi’s tomb. Due to significant damage to the tombstone, the Jinning County government placed a glass protective cover around the Ma Hazhi tombstone to preserve it. Inside this glass cover, there are three engraved stones.
3. The third section is the tomb of Ma Hazhi.
4. The fourth section consists of four engraved stones.

The inscription on the tombstone, established on the Dragon Boat Festival (端阳日) in the third year of the Yongle era (永乐) in 1405, outlines the life and achievements of Ma Hazhi, father of Zheng He (郑和). It records his birthplace, personal character, and contributions, detailing his relationship to Kunyang and praising his virtue in serving the people. The discovery of the tomb clarified significant details regarding Zheng He’s origins and family background, making the tomb inscription an important historical document for researching Zheng He.

In May 2006, the Tomb of Ma Hazhi was officially listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.

Geographical Location

• Location: Zheng He Park (郑和公园) in Kunyang Town (昆阳镇), Jinning District (晋宁县), Kunming (昆明), Yunnan Province (云南省)
• Historical Period: Ming Dynasty (明朝)
• Protection Level: Listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit (第六批全国重点文物保护单位)
• Number: 6-863-4-053
• Approval Authority: State Council of the People’s Republic of China (中华人民共和国国务院)

Historical Background

The Tomb of Ma Hazhi was established on the Dragon Boat Festival (端阳日) in the third year of the Yongle era (永乐) in 1405. Zheng He returned to his hometown for ceremonial worship in the ninth year of Yongle (1411). During the Republic of China (民国) period, in the winter of 1924, the tomb was partially preserved with a memorial pavilion built by the descendants of the Mongolian prince from the Yuan Dynasty (元朝), Pu Huai Ya Lan Li Bo.

In 1935, Kunyang’s governor Yang Lisheng recognized the significance of the tombstone and funded the construction of a pavilion. He also erected two stones beside it: one inscribed with the tomb’s history and the other containing the biography of Zheng He from the “History of the Ming Dynasty” (明史). However, this pavilion suffered damage shortly thereafter. In 1944, local authorities rebuilt the pavilion, adding inscriptions by Mr. Yuan Jiagu and the “Tianfei Ling Ying Stele” (天妃灵应碑).

Renovations took place in 1958, with guardrails added in 1978, and further funding from the Yunnan Provincial Cultural Bureau for repairs in 1990. In 2005, to commemorate the 600th anniversary of Zheng He’s voyages to the West, the tombstone underwent another restoration.

Architectural Layout

The tomb of Ma Hazhi is located in Zheng He’s homeland, within Zheng He Park (郑和公园) in Jinning County (晋宁县), Yunnan Province (云南省). The entire tomb complex is divided into four sections:

1. The first section includes the nationally recognized “Tombstone of Ma Hazhi” on the right side and a stone detailing the tomb’s overview on the left.
2. The second section is the inscription of Ma Hazhi’s tomb. Due to severe damage, the Jinning County government placed a glass protective cover over the tombstone. Within the cover, there are three stones: the left stone contains the inscription by Xia Guangnan of Huize (会泽夏光南) on the tomb, while the right stone features the entry from “The History of the Ming Dynasty” about Zheng He.
3. The third section contains the tomb itself. Islamic burial customs require earth burials, which align with the belief that the first man, Adam, was created from soil. Therefore, the Islamic tombs are typically rectangular with flat tops, contrasting with the circular mounds used by the Han Chinese. There are six engraved stones on either side of the tomb, commemorating various figures and events.
4. The fourth section consists of four engraved stones, including a reproduction of the “Inscription of Ma Hazhi’s Tomb” and records of the tomb’s reconstruction.

Cultural Relics

The tomb features three preserved stones, with the central stone displaying the inscription “Inscription of the Tomb of Ma Hazhi” (故马公墓志铭) in seal script. The stone’s top is semi-circular, surrounded by decorative floral patterns, and rests on a large stone turtle. The inscription records the details of Zheng He’s visit in the ninth year of Yongle.

Full Text of the “Inscription of the Tomb of Ma Hazhi”

公字哈只，姓马氏，世为云南昆阳州人。祖拜颜，妣马氏。父哈只，母温氏。公生而魁岸奇伟，风裁凛凛可畏，不肯枉己附人，人有过，辄面斥无隐。性尤好善，遇贫困及鳏寡无依者，恒保护赒给，未尝有倦容。以故乡党靡不称公为长者。娶温氏，有妇德。子男二人，长文铭，次和；女四人。和自幼有材志，事今天子，赐姓郑，为内官监太监。公勤明敏，谦恭谨密，不避劳勋，缙绅咸称誉焉。呜呼，观其子而公之积累于平日，与义方之训可见矣。公生于甲申年十二月初九日，卒于洪武壬戌七月初三日，享年三十九岁。长子文铭奉柩安厝于宝山乡和代村之原，礼也。铭曰：身处乎边陲，而服礼义之习；分安乎民庶，而存惠泽之施，宜其余庆深长，而有子光显于当时也。时永乐三年端阳日，资善大夫礼部尚书兼左春坊大学士李至刚撰。

The “Inscription of the Tomb of Ma Hazhi” was buried during the wars of the Qing Dynasty (清朝) and was later discovered and published by Mr. Yuan Jiagu. The inscription chronicles the life of Zheng He’s father, Ma Hazhi, detailing his birthplace, character, and contributions.

Location:

Location

The Tomb of Ajall Shams al-Din Omar (赛典赤·赡思丁墓) has two sites: the actual tomb is located in Majiayan Village (马家庵村), northern suburbs of Kunming City (昆明市), Yunnan Province (云南省); the commemorative mound is situated southwest of Minhang Road Primary School (民航路小学) in Guandu District (官渡区), Kunming, near the intersection of Minhang Road (民航路) and South Ring Road (环城南路).

Tomb Description

The actual tomb of Ajall Shams al-Din Omar is rectangular, oriented south-north, with a stone base and an earthen top. It is 1.8 meters high, 2.6 meters long, and 1.4 meters wide. The commemorative mound is also rectangular, built of stone, approximately 2.7 meters high, 2.3 meters long, and 1.3 meters wide. It features a stone eave cover and stone inscriptions on all sides. The tomb serves as an important red resource in Yunnan and provides valuable material for studying and inheriting the spirit of Ajall Shams al-Din Omar.

On October 7, 2019, the tomb was announced by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China (中华人民共和国国务院) as one of the Eighth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units (第八批全国重点文物保护单位).

General Information

• Chinese Name: 赛典赤·赡思丁墓
• Geographical Location: Majiayan Village (马家庵村), northern suburbs of Kunming City (昆明市); southwest of Minhang Road Primary School (民航路小学), Guandu District (官渡区), Kunming.
• Historical Period: Yuan (元), Qing (清) to Republic of China (民国)
• Protection Level: Eighth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units (第八批全国重点文物保护单位)
• Approval Unit: State Council of the People’s Republic of China (中华人民共和国国务院)
• Number: 8-0189-2-022

Historical Background

In the sixth year of the Republic of China (民国六年, 1917), Yunnan military and political officials, led by Tang Jiyao (唐继尧), rebuilt the commemorative mound on the original tomb site established during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty (清康熙年间) to honor Ajall Shams al-Din Omar.

In 1981, Wuliduo Primary School (五里多小学) contributed funds for renovations, restoring the base and stone steps of the commemorative mound and planting flowers around it. In 1984, the Yunnan Provincial People’s Government (云南省人民政府) allocated 30,000 yuan for the restoration of the tomb, completed in February 1986.

Site Characteristics

The Tomb of Ajall Shams al-Din Omar consists of two sites: the actual tomb located in Majiayan Village (马家庵村) in the northern suburbs of Kunming and the commemorative mound located southwest of Minhang Road Primary School (民航路小学). The commemorative mound was rebuilt in 1917, based on the original tomb from the Kangxi era.

In February 1986, after restoration, the actual tomb was surrounded by stone, measuring 2.9 meters in length, 1.4 meters in width, and 1.8 meters in height. The top of the tomb is rounded, with a gravestone on the south side. The upper part of the gravestone is semicircular, engraved with Arabic script, while the lower center features the inscription “Tomb of Ajall Shams al-Din Omar, King of Xianyang, Yuan Dynasty” (元咸阳王赛典赤赡思丁墓) in Chinese. On the upper left, there are two small lines stating “Born in 1210, died in 1279” (生于一二一O年，卒于一二七九年), and on the lower right, it reads “Established by the Yunnan Provincial People’s Government in February 1986” (云南省人民政府，一九八六年二月立). The area is surrounded by a fence, and various trees and flowers are planted around the tomb.

The commemorative mound, rebuilt in the sixth year of the Republic of China (1917), is a rectangular stone structure about 2.7 meters high, 2.3 meters long, and 1.3 meters wide, featuring a stone eave cover and stone inscriptions on all sides. In 1981, Wuliduo Primary School funded further restoration of the mound’s base and steps, enhancing its surroundings with flowers.

Cultural Relics

The commemorative mound of Ajall Shams al-Din Omar features stone inscriptions on all four sides. The front inscription reads “King Shams al-Din of Xianyang, Yuan Dynasty” (元咸阳王赡思丁). The left side contains excerpts from the “History of the Yuan” (《元史·赛典赤赡思丁传》), while the right side features a record of the rebuilding, written by Yuan Jiagu (袁嘉谷) in the sixth year of the Republic of China (1917), stating, “Recently, the people of Yunnan yearn for the King, often coming to pay respects, lingering under the mound, reluctant to leave” (近，滇人思慕于王，瞻拜凭眺，往往徘徊陵下，不忍去).

Historical and Cultural Significance

Ajall Shams al-Din Omar (赛典赤·赡思丁, 1211-1279) was a prominent politician during the early Yuan Dynasty (元朝). Also known as Wumaar (乌马儿), he was of Hui ethnicity, originally from Bukhara (布哈拉), Uzbekistan (乌兹别克斯坦). His family was influential (the Arabic term “赛典赤” means “noble holy offspring”), and he was highly regarded by Kublai Khan (忽必烈). During the reign of Emperor Yingzong (宪宗), he served as the chief governor of Yanji Road (燕京路), where he significantly aided Kublai Khan in pacifying Yunnan.

In the first year of the Yuan Dynasty (至元元年, 1264), he was appointed as the chief minister of Shaanxi and Sichuan provinces (陕西四川行省平章政事), preparing the Yuan army for the campaign against the Southern Song (南宋). His three years in office were marked by outstanding achievements. By the eleventh year of the Yuan Dynasty (至元十一年, 1274), he served as the chief minister of Yunnan Province (云南行省平章政事). During his five years in Yunnan, he reorganized the administration, promoted cultural governance, reformed local customs, encouraged agriculture, developed water conservancy, and improved relations with neighboring countries such as Annan (安南) and Myanmar (缅甸). After his death, Kublai Khan posthumously honored him with the title King of Xianyang (咸阳王).

Research Value

The tomb of Ajall Shams al-Din Omar is an important red resource in Yunnan, providing valuable material for studying and inheriting the spirit of Ajall Shams al-Din Omar.

Protection Measures

On October 7, 2019, the tomb was designated as one of the Eighth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units (第八批全国重点文物保护单位) by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.

Tourist Information

Geographical Location

The actual tomb of Ajall Shams al-Din Omar is located in Majiayan Village (马家庵村), northern suburbs of Kunming City (昆明市); the commemorative mound is situated southwest of Minhang Road Primary School (民航路小学) in Guandu District (官渡区), Kunming.

Travel Information

• By Car: From the People’s Government of Kunming City (昆明市人民政府) to the actual tomb, it is approximately 47.9 kilometers and takes about 48 minutes. To reach the commemorative mound, it is about 22.9 kilometers and takes about 38 minutes.

Chinese Name: 晋宁区石寨山古墓群
English Name: Ancient Tombs of Shizhaishan in Jinning District, Kunming

Shizhaishan Ancient Tombs, located in Shizhaicun Village, Shangsuantown, Jinning District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, are a group of tomb sites belonging to the ancient Dian Kingdom kings and their relatives from the Warring States Period to the Han Dynasty. From 1955 to 1996, the Shizhaishan Ancient Tombs underwent five excavations, uncovering 86 ancient tombs dating from the Warring States Period to the Han Dynasty. Nearly 5,000 cultural relics were unearthed, including bronze, gold, silver, iron, jade, and agate artifacts. The bronze artifacts are well-crafted with exquisite patterns, reflecting strong local ethnic characteristics and showcasing the social development of the ancient Dian Kingdom.

The Shizhaishan Ancient Tombs served as burial grounds for the Dian kings and their clans, representing the center of Dian culture and symbolizing the cultural history of Yunnan and southwestern China from the Warring States Period to the Han Dynasty. It is also a representative site of Bronze Age culture in Southeast Asia and world civilization history. On June 25, 2001, the Shizhaishan Ancient Tombs were designated as the fifth batch of national key cultural relics protection units by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.

Historical Evolution

The history of the ancient Dian Kingdom is sparsely documented in written records, mainly found in Sima Qian’s “Records of the Grand Historian – Treatise on the Southern Barbarians.” Therefore, the construction period of the Shizhaishan Ancient Tombs is estimated to be from the Warring States Period to the Han Dynasty. From 1955 to 1960, archaeologists from Yunnan Province conducted four excavations at the Shizhaishan Ancient Tombs. The first excavation took place from March 3 to 23, 1955, as a trial excavation. The second excavation, which yielded significant results with over 4,000 cultural relics unearthed, occurred from November 1956 to January 1957. Subsequent excavations were carried out in 1958 and 1960. Additionally, a rescue excavation was conducted in 1996.

Burial Patterns

The burial structure at Shizhaishan is relatively simple, with graves dug between natural rocks or on flat ground. Large graves contain wooden coffins with burial objects, where human bones are placed inside, and accompanying burial items are found on top of the coffins or second-tier platforms and around the bones. Large tombs are generally 3-4 meters long and about 2 meters wide, while small tombs measure approximately 2 meters long and 1 meter wide, with depths ranging from 0.9 to 3 meters. There are no visible mounds on the surface. The coffins are rectangular in shape, coated inside and out with black, green, and vermilion lacquer, adorned with patterns. The burial posture is supine with straight limbs. In Tomb No. 9, the skeleton was found with the waist broken, separated into two piles, with the skull placed between the upper limbs. The clear and organized fractures of the upper and lower limbs suggest a sacrificial victim.

Cultural Relics

Overview
Excavations at the Shizhaishan Ancient Tombs unearthed over 5,000 artifacts, including precious items like the “Seal of the Dian King” and the “Golden Knight Bronze Storage Vessel with Four Oxen,” all finely crafted with beautiful decorations that vividly depict the social history of the ancient Dian Kingdom. The bronze artifacts discovered at Shizhaishan are diverse and finely crafted, including weapons, tools for production, daily utensils, musical instruments, and decorative items. Weapons include daggers, spears, swords, axes, adzes, polearms, crossbows, arrowheads, helmets, armguards, and leg armor; production tools consist of hoes, spades, sickles, chisels, scrapers, fish hooks, needles, and awls; daily utensils range from pots, basins, kettles, and wine vessels to earrings, cases, boxes, pillows, mirrors, belt hooks, and umbrella covers; musical instruments include bronze drums, bells, and gourd flutes. Additionally, various ornaments found on bodies, utensils, and coffins are beautifully crafted and rare ancient artifacts.

Seal of the Dian King

The Seal of the Dian King is cast in pure gold, with a snake-shaped knob, the head raised, the body coiled, and scales on the back. The knob and the seal body were separately cast and then welded together. The characters are chiseled, with visible chisel marks on both sides, in seal script, with four characters in white reading “Seal of the Dian King.”

Golden Knight Bronze Storage Vessel with Four Oxen
The Golden Knight Bronze Storage Vessel with Four Oxen measures 50 cm in height and 25 cm in diameter. In the center of the vessel cover is a knight with a chignon hairstyle, wearing a long sword with exquisitely decorated scabbards, entirely gilded. The knight is seated on a steed, its head held high, mouth open and tail curled up. The four legs of the steed stand on a rectangular platform, beneath which is a pillar, emphasizing the knight’s status and contributing to the overall aesthetic composition. Four sturdy bulls are sculpted around the knight, their heads and tails interlocking. On either side of the vessel body are tiger-shaped ears, symmetrical and tightly gripping the waist of the artifact, appearing to climb upwards. One tiger’s tail curls upward, while the other curls downward. Both tigers are depicted with astonishing realism in terms of overall shape and detailed portrayal. The bottom of the vessel is in the shape of tiger claws with three legs.

Value of Cultural Relics

The Shizhaishan Ancient Tombs yielded a large number of bronze artifacts with distinctive local ethnic characteristics. The figurative sculptures on bronze ornaments and storage vessels provide important material evidence for identifying and understanding the ethnic composition of the Dian people, reflecting various aspects of social production, life, and external exchanges such as sacrificial rituals, warfare, hunting, planting, granary filling, and tribute offerings. These relics provide valuable physical evidence for understanding the culture of Shizhaishan and the history of the ancient Dian Kingdom.

Protection Measures

In 1965, the Shizhaishan Ancient Tombs were designated as a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit by the Yunnan Provincial People’s Government. On June 25, 2001, they were listed as the fifth batch of national key cultural relic protection units by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China. On October 12, 2021, the National Cultural Heritage Administration announced the Shizhaishan Ancient Tombs as one of the “14th Five-Year Plan” major sites. On December 29, 2022, the Shizhaishan Archaeological Site Park in Jinning was included in the fourth batch of national archaeological site park project lists by the National Cultural Heritage Administration.

Honors Received

In March 2001, the fifth excavation of Shizhaishan was selected as one of the “100 Great Archaeological Discoveries of 20th Century China” by Archaeology magazine. On October 18, 2021, the Shizhaishan Ancient Tombs were announced as one of the “100 Great Archaeological Discoveries of the Century” by the Chinese Archaeological Society and the China Cultural Relics News.

Tourist Information

Geographical Information
The Shizhaishan Ancient Tombs are located in Shizhaicun Village, Shangsuantown, Jinning District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province.

Details of Shizhaishan Ancient Tombs
Approximately 240 meters southeast from the intersection of Huanhu South Road and Niuguang Line in Jinning District, Kunming City.

Driving Directions
Starting from the Jinning District People’s Government, travel via Yongle Street and Huanhu South Road to reach the Shizhaishan Ancient Tombs.

The Tomb of NiE is located in a gently sloping area between Taihua Temple (太华寺) and Longmen (龙门) in the Western Hills (西山) of Kunming (昆明), Yunnan Province (云南省). It covers an area of approximately 1,200 square meters and was relocated to this site in 1980.

The layout of the tomb is designed to resemble a moon lute, with the platform representing the body of the lute and the tomb positioned at the head. The tomb pit is constructed from stone slabs and has two levels, approximately 1 meter deep. The Tomb of NiE reflects the admiration and remembrance from people of various ethnicities and backgrounds in China and international friends, providing a beautiful space that merges with the surroundings for those who come to pay their respects.

On January 13, 1988, the Tomb of NiE was announced as a key national cultural relic protection unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.

Location Information

• Geographical Location: Kunming (昆明), Yunnan Province (云南省)
• Established: 1980
• Area: Approximately 1,200 m²
• Protection Level: Third batch of national key cultural relic protection units
• Approving Authority: State Council of the People’s Republic of China
• Number: 3-0041-1-041

Historical Background

On October 1, 1937, NiE’s ashes were interred at the foot of the Western Hills in Kunming. His mother and family, along with cultural figures such as Chu Tunan (楚图南), Xu Jiarui (徐嘉瑞), Zheng Yizhai (郑一斋), and Lin Zhiyin (林志音), attended the burial ceremony. Xu Jiarui wrote the tomb’s name and inscription titled “The Tomb of the Epoch-Making Musician NiE.”

In February 1954, the Yunnan Provincial Cultural Bureau conducted a renovation of the tomb, adopting an inscription written by Guo Moruo (郭沫若) and changing the wording on the tombstone from “The Tomb of the Epoch-Making Music Composer NiE” to “The Tomb of the People’s Musician NiE.”

In March 1973, the Kunming Municipal Party Committee decided to relocate the tomb to a gently sloping area above the parking lot between Taihua Temple and Longmen. The relocation ceremony took place on May 13, 1980. The tomb underwent renovations and environmental improvements in 1985, 1992, and 2005.

Site Features

The design of the Tomb of NiE resembles a moon lute, with the platform acting as the lute’s body and the tomb positioned at the head. The tomb pit is built with stone slabs and features two levels, about 1 meter deep. The urn containing his ashes is placed on a circular base, with a three-tiered square stone platform underneath. On this platform rests a black stone tombstone. The front of the tombstone reads “The Tomb of the People’s Musician NiE,” while the back bears the epitaph written by Guo Moruo. In front of the tombstone is a high-relief white marble wreath of mountain camellias, inscribed with NiE’s birth and death years. The twenty-four stone steps leading to the tomb symbolize the twenty-four years of NiE’s life.

Cultural Relics

Statue of NiE

The statue of NiE is located in front of the tomb. It is a round sculpture made of white marble, standing 3.2 meters tall and weighing 3.7 tons, depicting him in a contemplative pose.

Screen Wall

The screen wall is situated behind the tomb of NiE, measuring 45 meters in length and slightly arched. The center features a high relief representing the heroic struggle of Chinese military and civilians during the war. The upper sides depict the Great Wall stretching across the sky, while the lower left showcases scenes of various Chinese ethnic groups singing the “March of the Volunteers” (《义勇军进行曲》).

Historical and Cultural Significance

Related Figures

• Burial Subject: NiE (聂耳)
• Biography: NiE (February 15, 1912 – July 17, 1935), originally named Nie Shouxin (聂守信), was born in Kunming (昆明), Yunnan Province (云南), and his ancestral home is in Yuxi (玉溪). In 1933, he joined the Communist Party of China (中国共产党). In the following three years, NiE composed several progressive songs, including “Spring Dawn at Cuihu” (《翠湖春晓》), “Graduation Song” (《毕业歌》), and “Pioneer” (《开路先锋》), earning him the title of “Pioneer of Chinese Revolutionary Music.” In February 1935, NiE composed the music for “March of the Volunteers” (《义勇军进行曲》) based on lyrics written by Tian Han (田汉) for the film “Children of the Storm” (《风云儿女》). During the lyric-writing process, Tian Han was imprisoned by Kuomintang agents. Hearing this, NiE voluntarily took on the task of composing the music and completed it after witnessing Japanese militarists advocating for “expanding China’s interests” while in Japan. Tragically, he drowned on July 17, 1935, at the age of 23 while swimming at the shore of the sea in Kanagawa Prefecture (神奈川县), Japan. In August 1935, his ashes and belongings were escorted back to Shanghai by his friends Zhang Tianxu (张天虚) and Zheng Ziping (郑子平). In 1936, NiE’s elder brother, Nie Xulun (聂叙伦), brought his ashes back to Kunming.

Literary Works

Epitaph of NiE Written by Guo Moruo (郭沫若) “Comrade NiE, the horn of the Chinese revolution, is also the drum of the people’s liberation. The music he composed for ‘March of the Volunteers’ has been selected as the national anthem. Those who hear its sound cannot help but feel a surge of patriotic thoughts, solemn and noble aspirations, and a united spirit. NiE, may your legacy endure forever alongside the nation! Comrade NiE, a member of the Communist Party of China, was born on February 14, 1912, in the beautiful Kunming, and tragically drowned on July 17, 1935, at the beach of Kanagawa, at the tender age of twenty-four. His death in an enemy country is an eternal regret, and the circumstances of his drowning remain unknown!”

Poem about NiE’s Tomb By Huang Zhaobi (黄兆碧) “The tomb stands serene beneath the everlasting sun,
Gentle breezes through the flowers and trees abound.
A lone hero’s spirit wanders without rest,
A young man’s heart, a sword of isolation, profound.
Questions of the cold depths, where tempests have blown,
Singing freely in verses long or short, profound.
Today the national anthem is sung with pride,
A glorious sound that resonates all around.”

Cultural Preservation

On January 13, 1988, the Tomb of NiE was listed as a third batch national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.

Travel Information

Location

The Tomb of NiE is located in a gently sloping area between Taihua Temple (太华寺) and Longmen (龙门) in the Western Hills of Kunming (昆明), Yunnan Province (云南省).

Transportation Information

Bus Routes:

1. Take Metro Line 3 to Xishan Park Station and then transfer to the Western Hills scenic area shuttle bus to the final stop.
2. Take buses 6, 51, or 94 to Gaoyao Station and then transfer to the Western Hills scenic area shuttle bus to the final stop.

Alternatively, take bus 183 in Kunming and get off at the Haigeng Tourist Cableway Station, then walk 4.0 kilometers to the tomb.

Overview

The Stone Coffin of Chen Zuocai (陈佐才石棺) is located in Mingshi Village (盟石村), Miaojie Township (庙街乡), Weishan County (巍山县), Yunnan Province (云南省). It serves as the tomb of the patriotic elder and poet Chen Zuocai (陈佐才), dating back to the late Ming and early Qing Dynasties.

Structure and Dimensions

The stone coffin is carved from a massive boulder, measuring over 10 meters in length, 8 meters in height, and approximately 2 meters in width. The coffin is located at the front of the boulder and is covered with a stone lid, resembling a traditional wooden coffin.

Historical Inscriptions

Two steles stand in front of the boulder:

1. Tombstone by Li Shiyang (李士扬): Inscribed in the 44th year of Qianlong (1779), titled “Tomb Inscription of the Loyal Scholar Chen.”
2. Tombstone by Zhao Shuliang (赵叔良): Established in the 25th year of the Republic (1936), titled “Tomb Inscription of the Loyal Chen.”

On either side of the coffin, stone pens are erected with couplets inscribed by the local scholar Rao Zhi (饶着):

• Upper Couplet: “指地誓黄泉，溪流犹带南迁恨” (“Swearing by the earth to the Yellow Springs, the creek still carries southward regrets.”)
• Lower Couplet: “凿棺盟白石，墓木曾无北向枝” (“Carving the coffin with a vow on white stone, the tomb’s trees have never grown branches to the north.”)

To the right of the coffin is a stone pavilion, where another couplet is inscribed:

• Upper Couplet: “其生明臣其死明鬼” (“In life, a loyal minister; in death, a clear spirit.”)
• Lower Couplet: “不葬清土不戴清天” (“Not buried in clear soil, not wearing the clear sky.”)

The area around the coffin is covered with verses and writings praising Chen Zuocai.

Travel Tips

• How to Get There: The Stone Coffin is accessible by road from Dali (大理). Visitors can take a bus or drive to Weishan County and then to Miaojie Township. Local guides may be available to assist with transportation.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for pleasant weather and clearer views of the surrounding landscape.
• Local Etiquette: Visitors should be respectful of the site, as it holds cultural and historical significance. Avoid loud noises and littering.

Nearby Attractions

1. Weishan Ancient Town (巍山古城): A well-preserved ancient town with rich history and architecture.
2. Weibao Mountain (巍宝山): Known for its hiking trails and scenic beauty.

This site reflects the deep cultural heritage of Yunnan and the respect for its historical figures.

Overview

The Huocang Cemetery Group (火葬墓群) in Duohuo Village (多祜村), Midu County (弥渡县), is a significant archaeological site that showcases the burial practices and cultural heritage of the region. This site provides insights into the local customs, historical development, and social structure of the communities that once thrived here.

Historical Significance

The cemetery group consists of multiple cremation burial sites, reflecting the historical preference for cremation among the local population. It is believed that these sites date back to the Ming (明) and Qing (清) dynasties, highlighting the rich historical tapestry of Duohuo Village.

Architectural Features

The graves exhibit unique architectural styles, combining traditional Chinese burial customs with local influences. The structures are often adorned with intricate carvings and designs that symbolize various cultural beliefs, providing a window into the spiritual life of the community.

Cultural Insights

Visitors to the Huocang Cemetery Group can gain a deeper understanding of the local customs surrounding death and mourning. The site also serves as a reminder of the importance of ancestral worship in Chinese culture, where respect for the deceased plays a crucial role in community identity.

How to Get There

To reach the Huocang Cemetery Group in Duohuo Village, travel from Dali City (大理市) via public transport or by car. The journey typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Travel Tips

• Consider hiring a local guide to enhance your understanding of the site and its historical context.
• Visit during the dry season for better accessibility.
• Respect the cultural significance of the site; avoid loud noises and be mindful of local customs.